With rumors of ghosts from Madrid to Mountainair.

The Shaffer may creak, the Mine Shaft Tavern may squeak,

But are they haunted? Let's take a peek.

Mountainair

One of Torrance County's famous haunted places is the Shaffer Hotel of Mountainair.

The Shaffer Hotel, located a block south of Broadway at N.M. 55, is believed to be haunted by the spirit of Clem "Pop" Shaffer.

Shaffer was a blacksmith, artist and merchant who moved to Mountainair from Indiana in 1908. Pop crafted the building out of cast concrete that he reinforced with old iron fractions.

The Shaffer Hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was also the setting of a Southwest Ghost Hunter Association conference and ghost hunt in February 2008. The ghost hunters learned that the hotel is a potential paranormal haven when they were scouting locations last Halloween.

The Mountainair Town Hall has been rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a slain police officer. The officer was found shot to death years ago on the upper level of the building, which at that time housed the police station. The officer's killing was never solved. Some town staff claim they've heard movement and footsteps upstairs in a part of the building that's been uninhabited for years.

Moriarty

While there may be no "famous" ghosts in the city of Moriarty, sightings at the police and fire stations have been reported by staff. One Moriarty officer said he has often seen a figure leaning against the wall of the holding cell at the station.

The Interstate 40 corridor around Moriarty is rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of people who died there.

According to the officer, every winter over the police scanner, someone calls in a sighting of a woman walking on I-40 by Exit 203 in little clothing. The Moriarty officer said police no longer respond to the call because every time an officer goes out to the area, the woman is mysteriously gone.

Estancia

Many claim a real haunted house is in Estancia's realm. On N.M. 55 on the Ayers property, many stop to take pictures at an old abandoned house that's rumored to be the only haunted place in Estancia. It's not known who the ghost is that supposedly haunts the house, but it's a popular photo opportunity for Estancians and travelers alike, according to town staff.

Madrid

Madrid and the surrounding area is also said to be haunted. Numerous ghost sightings have been reported in homes, in the old church, in the cemetery, and in the Mine Shaft Tavern. La Llorona has also been rumored to be walking among the arroyos. One reported sighting is of a silent cowboy who has been seen escorting a Spanish woman, dressed in her best finery, down Main Street. Others have allegedly seen and heard all types of ghostly forms in the cemetery.

But the most haunted of all of Madrid's spots is said to be the Mine Shaft Tavern. The longest bar in New Mexico has been open since the 1940s.

Staff and guests have reported seeing glasses fall from their perches and crashing to the floors. Doors have been seen opening on their own. Mysterious sounds have been heard and after closing, objects and furnishings moved. Staff have even reported looking in the mirror and instead of seeing their own reflections, they see a ghost.